Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Take this medicine with food so that it can work properly.

If you are using the oral liquid:

  • This medicine is available in two forms: foil pouch and a bottle.
  • If you are using the medicine in the foil pouch: Take the 5-mL medicine by placing the contents of one pouch directly into your mouth, or use a dosing spoon or cup. If you need a 10-mL dose, take the entire contents of two pouches.
  • If you are using the medicine in the bottle: Shake the bottle gently before using this medicine. Use a specially marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Atovaquone tablets may be crushed if necessary to make it easier to swallow.

Because atovaquone tablets and oral suspension do not produce the same amount of medicine in the blood, the tablets and the suspension cannot be switched and used in place of each other.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using your medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For prevention of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP):
    • For oral dosage form (suspension):
      • Adults and children 13 years of age and older—1500 milligrams (mg) or 10 milliliters (mL) once a day with food.
      • Children younger than 13 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP):
    • For oral dosage form (suspension):
      • Adults and children 13 years of age and older—750 milligrams (mg) or 5 milliliters (mL) two times a day with food for 21 days.
      • Children younger than 13 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults—750 milligrams (mg) taken with a meal three times a day for 21 days.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep the medicine in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

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